iPhone SE connect to iMac (2015) fails: software update unavailable

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iPhone SE connect to iMac (2015) fails: software update unavailable

I suspect I know the answer to this one - it's filed under "your mac is too old", but I thought it was worth asking...

late 2015 imac running Sierra and iTunes 12.8.2.3
recently upgraded iPhone to SE (gen3) running iOS26.2
tried to connect the two, unsurprisingly it says that a software update is required...
clicking on "install" it tries to download the update, but it's "not currently available from the Software Update server"

I assume this is because my imac is too old, so the update no longer exists, but is there a workaround so I can backup my phone to my computer?

can't upgrade the OS as it'll make third-party software obsolete
don't want to back up to paid-for iCloud if I can possibly avoid it

Again, any thoughts gratefully received. Thanks lots.

Posted on Jan 21, 2026 8:34 AM

Answer 1

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platesboy Author

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Jan 22, 2026 4:51 AM in response to Matti Haveri

Hi Matti,

Yeah, gotta keep it Sierra sadly, but you prompted an idea. Found a similar vintage macbook that I'd overlooked - it's running Big Sur which is just young enough to still download the iphone connection software upgrade.

Connects, just can't backup yet as it doesn't seem to like connecting via a hub (to get around the lightning to usb C) - disconnects after the backup has started. Looks like I need a new cable...

Thanks lots - a step forward!

Answer 2

Jan 21, 2026 10:14 AM in response to platesboy

Sierra is very old so that is not very surprising.

But a quick search indicates that Late 2015 iMac can be upgraded up to Monterey, right?

If the Mac has only a spinning HDD, then it might be a good idea to upgrade to High Sierra for APFS support first. And use an external SSD boot drive in Monterey because HDDs are slow on APFS. But backup before doing any upgrades.

...edit: oh you have old software that needs Sierra. But does it support High Sierra? And you could dual boot to newer macOS for iPhone support if all else fails...

Answer 3

Jan 24, 2026 6:11 PM in response to platesboy

Based on the Technical Specifications for the latest iPhones, I believe that the minimum requirement for managing any iPhone running iOS 26 is "macOS High Sierra 10.13 through macOS Mojave 10.14.6 using iTunes 12.8 or later."

As far as I know, every Mac that is compatible with Sierra (10.12.*) is also compatible with High Sierra (10.13.*).

How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Download iTunes 12.8.3 for Mac - Apple Support

It's too bad that there are applications preventing you from upgrading from Sierra to High Sierra. (I suppose that you could try installing iTunes 12.8.2, as it supposedly is compatible with Sierra, but it might not be sufficient for managing the iPhone.)

Answer 4

platesboy Author

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Jan 26, 2026 2:20 AM in response to Servant of Cats

Thanks for that - I'll see if the upgrade to 12.8.3 just tips it over into compatability (but I'm not hopeful). As an aside, connection to the Big Sur macbook worked, I just had to find a new cable. Though now I have to backup the entire family's phones and ipads to a single laptop that has no backup.

All this because Adobe have gone to subscription...

iPhone SE connect to iMac (2015) fails: software update unavailable

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